of direction (Berk, 2001, p. 392). In Stephen's case, he has recognized his interests by focusing his decision-making process on two diverse options. Furthermore, he is in the process of gathering information from the influential figures in his life such as his parents and his peers within the community.
A key part of the dilemma confronted by Stephen in his attempt to weigh his options is his lack of cognitive maturity. According to Piaget, individuals starting from the age of 11 begin to display the ability to engage in abstract thinking by formulating hypotheses and testing them out in a systematic fashion. At the same time, they are able to analyze the logic of various statements (cited in Berk, 2001, pp. 370-1). As he is still at an early stage of adolescence, it is understandable that Stephen still does not display a sophisticated level of reasoning in considering his twin options. Instead of acknowledging several variables in his decision-making process, such as the differences in the nature of the work between a lawyer and a mechanic and the remuneration, Stephen is primarily focused on the amount of time needed for him to achieve his career or vocational goal, as well his interest. Therefore, his thought processes indicate that Stephen may not be cognitively ready to make this type of decision at this stage.
Furthermore, at his psychosocial stage of development, Stephen clearly demonstrates his susceptibility to the influences of his peers within his community. As pointed out by Berk (2001), adolescents in this phase are transitioning from their close relationships with their family members to forging new ones with their peers. Adolescents who are in the best moods when spending time
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